By Dan Walsh in Ferns
Discovering Medieval Ferns is the title of a new book launched by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at a pleasant event held in St. Mogue’s Cottage in the heritage town of Ferns this evening. Joint-editors Dr Denis Shine, Dr Stephen Mandal and Dr Michael Potterton from the Irish Archaeological Field School and the Ancient Connections project team were also present.
“This compilation document of the archaeological explorations in Ferns, from the previous excavations over several decades, through to the more recent Irish Archaeological Field School and the Ancient Connections project, recognises the academic import and the deep historical significance of the very ground we stand on in Ferns,” said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “The new data, reports and academic papers bring the story of Ferns as the ‘Ancient Capital of Leinster’ ever more to life.”
“Finally let us put Ferns on the map of places to experience for our tourists and visitors and this work will be their guidebook for everything that Ferns has to offer,” concluded Cllr O’Rourke.
Replying on behalf of the editorial team, Dr Stephen Mandal paid tribute to the people of Ferns and everybody associated with the project which employed about 100 students during the archaeological dig and particular thanks was expressed to Pat Cousins, the landowner where the excavations took place “for his patience and kindness in allowing access. None of this would be possible without him.”
Discovering Medieval Ferns, Co. Wexford, edited by Michael Potterton, Stephen Mandal and Denis Shine, 272 pages, paperback/softback. ISBN 9781801510219, published by Four Courts Press Ltd, Dublin. Available in all good bookshops.
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